#3 on this list
Howler — Men’s & Women’s
Jones
The Jones Howler caters specifically to aggressive all-mountain riders who approach natural terrain with a freestyle mindset. While traditional all-mountain boards often lean heavily toward directional cruising, the Howler is tuned for launching off natural rollers, stomping steep landings, and laying down deep trenches on corduroy. It is an unapologetic, firm-charging platform built for riders who carry speed into every feature. Jones built the Howler with a stout flex profile and a responsive camber-dominant base, delivering immense snap and instantaneous edge response. The refined sidecut utilizes subtle edge-traction zones to dig into slick snow and windblown ridges, giving the rider confidence when setting up for drops in firm conditions. Inside, targeted stringers reduce torsional wash, ensuring the board stays planted and tracks true when landing heavily or carving at maximum lean angles. Because of its aggressive build, the Howler offers very little forgiveness for casual resort lapping. Relaxing over the center of the board or engaging turns tentatively will quickly lead to unexpected edge grabs. It is not built for slow-speed buttering or cruising flat run-outs; it requires strong leg input and constant rider engagement, making it best suited for seasoned riders with established board control. **Highlights** - Aggressive camber-dominant profile engineered for maximum energy return - Substantial torsional stiffness for stability on high-speed landings - Strategic edge-grip profiling for dependable bite on firm snow - Robust core construction built to endure blunt freestyle impacts - Distinct platform suited for both technical carving and natural air **Watch-outs** - Uncompromising flex pattern punishes technique errors - Requires significant leg drive to bend and maneuver at low speeds - Not suited for novice or casual intermediate resort cruising
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#4 on this list
Summer Nokhu 161 DF
Never
The Never Summer Nokhu 161 DF is a specialized tool tailored for larger riders, boot sizes that frequently suffer toe drag, and aggressive carvers who want maximum platform width. Built around Never Summer’s ultra-wide "Drag Free" footprint, this deck allows riders to lay down extreme, armpit-dragging carves without the toe or heel of their boots snagging the snow surface and blowing out the turn. Beyond its substantial waist width, the Nokhu incorporates Never Summer's distinct multi-camber profile, which places rocker between the feet flanked by powerful camber zones directly beneath the bindings. This blend delivers exceptionally smooth turn transitions and remarkable deep-snow flotation despite the board’s sheer surface area. The internal construction includes robust elastomeric dampening systems, which deaden vibrational feedback when crossing through choppy, frozen snow and uneven resort surfaces. Naturally, such a broad waist introduces specific compromises. Transferring edge-to-edge on the Nokhu requires deliberate leverage and strong ankle articulation; riders with average or smaller boot sizes will find the board slow to initiate tight, snappy turns. It is an absolute powerhouse for trenching wide groomers and floating deep backbowls, but it demands patience and effort in cramped moguls. **Highlights** - Drag Free waist width prevents boot overhang on extreme carve angles - Multi-camber design offers a balance of foot grip and pivot ease - Heavy-duty vibration dampening layers for chunder reduction - Immense surface area delivers effortless flotation in powder - Durable top sheet and impact-resistant sidewall construction **Watch-outs** - Slow edge-to-edge response for riders with average or smaller boot sizes - Noticeable swing weight requires extra physical effort in the air - Cumbersome to pilot through tight, technical bump runs
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Howler — Men’s & Women’s | Summer Nokhu 161 DF |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Style | Aggressive all-mountain freestyle | All-Mountain, Carving, Powder |
| Ability Level | Advanced to expert | — |
| Profile | Camber-dominant with rockered tips | Directional Hybrid Rocker Camber |
| Flex Rating | Stiff (approx. 8 out of 10) | — |
| Shape | Directional twin | Tapered Directional |
| Core Matrix | Hardwood blend with targeted stringers | — |
| Width Class | — | Drag Free (DF) Extra Wide |
| Dampening | — | Full Elastomeric Stabilization |
| Target Boot Size | — | US Men's 11.5 and larger |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Howler — Men’s & Women’s
- Explosive pop and massive energy return out of loaded turns
- Exceptional edge hold on firm resort corduroy and windblown ice
- Rock-solid landing stability when stomping drops at speed
- Durable construction built to withstand heavy all-mountain impacts
- Punishes lazy technique and imprecise edge awareness immediately
- Stiff longitudinal flex makes slow-speed flat buttering difficult
- Requires constant physical input that can tire legs over a full day
Summer Nokhu 161 DF
- Eliminates toe and heel overhang entirely during high-angle carves
- Massive surface area delivers effortless flotation in deep snow
- Elastomeric core dampening effectively deadens rough resort chop
- Impact-resistant sidewalls and topsheet offer exceptional durability
- Noticeably slow edge-to-edge transition for average boot sizes
- High physical exertion required to maneuver through tight moguls
- Significant swing weight reduces agility for aerial rotations
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